Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Today is the first day of a new beginning- leaving old memories behind, a new start, a new path. Will you join me on this new journey?

49 posts ago, I started this blog on a whim. It was late night and me and my best friend started throwing out blog names at each other. The next thing I know I was treading on unknown waters, untravelled paths and unfamiliar destinations.

49 posts ago, I started this blog when Maryam was 18 months old. I was disillusioned with my career and job prospects or lack of. I had always dreamed of being a stay at home mom and I was living that dream. So why the feelings of failure, of frustration, of discontent.

But all that changed 49 posts ago when this blog was born. This blog was initially created to fulfill the void I had of not having a career, a life outside of home, a place where I could use unleash my creativity.

Don't get me wrong- I'm so grateful I don't HAVE to work and have a full time job and can spend most of my day with sweet Maryam. But any Mom will relate to the fact that you need an identity of your own, something to mentally stimulate you, something to distinguish you from being a Mom and a housewife.

49 posts, ago, what was borne out of not having a career, has BECOME a new career. Although by trade I'm an optometrist, I seldom woke up in the morning excited to go to work. Through this blog, I have found my true vocation, my true joy. Every morning, I am excited to pick up my camera, cook foods that I haven't before, capture foods in a way I never thought possible.

49 posts ago, I would never have met you all. I'll be very honest and say that if it weren't for all your lovely comments and emails, tweets and facebook messages, the buzz of blogging wouldn't have been the same. I'm so grateful you read the blog, cook things from it and report back. I truly truly appreciate it and hope you will continue to accompany me on this adventure.

And finally, 49 posts ago I didn't have the pleasure of knowing a special person. This woman is a force to be reckoned with. She is kind, generous, giving, articulate, an amazing photographer, a good listener, beautiful and.....well, I could go on. Sylvie, you are amazing and I hope you know that. Sylvie has always helped me in some form or another, be it for my photographs, my writing, choosing this wonderful blog name and helping me with design. Thank you so much being my friend and guide. I truly appreciate it.

While I do have a fantastic giveaway to mark the launch of this new name and site (it will run next week), I want today's post to be about you. Thanks you so much. As a way to thank you, I'm sharing a chewy chocolate chip recipe with- one that has been requested by many of you.

In return I'm going to ask for a small favor. Can you tell me what you'd like to see more of on Sips and Spoonfuls? Also, my facebook page has changed- would you care to like me here?

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar

1 tbs vanilla extract

1 egg

1 egg yolk

2 cups milk chocolate chip cookies

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 165 degrees Centigrade. Line a cookie tray with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together, the flour, salt and baking soda.

Using the paddle attachment of your stand mixer, beat the butter and both white and brown sugars until light and creamy. Add the egg, followed by the yolk and vanilla extract. Beat thoroughly. With the mixer speed on low, add the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Using an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon, dollop cookie batter onto the parchment paper leaving ample space around each one. Bake in the oven for 17-20 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool the cookies on the cookie sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack.

I love the new look of your blog. The part you wrote about wanting to be a stay at home mom and still feeling discontent rings so true. This is why I needed to start my blog as well. I was craving that mental stimulation! Congratulations on a successful blog and wishing you well on your new journey ahead. Lovely photos as always.

I'm here too! I love the new site! It's you! You really hit home with the why of your posts. I feel the same. I LOVE my life as mom and the fact that I am here, but I NEED my outlet! YOu inspire me sOOOOOOO much!

Love it, love it, love it! And what a wonderful post to start your new path. You say that writing doesn't come naturally to you - that, I really cannot believe - I enjoy your words more with every post. I see this becoming far more than a hobby for you.

Congrats on your new name, identity, look and a new dimension. I loved the post and that you stuck with it shows how passionate you are. You resound my sentiments when you write about how important it is to find something out of your family/children -life and do something where the world will know you for you.All the very best..

Yay! Its out..Much beyond my expectations Sukaina.Love everything in here.I love how spoons adorn the whole page and the pale green and grey choices in color.Congratulations my friend..You deserve every bit of accolade for coming up with such a artful design.Love the picture of Maryam when she is looking at the camera..so cute ..And loved the chair too..infact LOVED everything!!

A big congrats to you S, for chasing your passion and making it come alive! Everything here look serene and lovely, the color, theme, background, and the subtle feel of your blog. Best wishes for many more milestones in your life, M looks cute.

Since morning this is probably my 5th visit. SO SO SO loving the entire look.. just too beautiful!! IT's like I am in a dream world where everything is soft and delicate and you want to handle everything with care or else it might just break your dream... how silly do I sound here!! Awsm job in the new look and congrats on your 50th post :)

Congratulations! I am so happy to be sharing this journey with you! You are a treasure! This new site is awesome and what a stellar first post! Your daughter is blessed to have you as a mommy! ;) ♥- Katrina

I was not here 49 posts ago ....... but I am lucky to be here on the 50th one. Congratulations to you for the fabulous job you are doing. It is very important to love what you do and do what you love .... Your blog is a reflection of both. The cookies look perfectly baked and the lil one is absolutely adorable. Wishing you many many more milestones .....

You know you've made me cry don't you? I can't tell you how much your words mean to me, you know I feel the same way about you. You are an incredible person with so much heart, spirit and talent, I am incredibly grateful to have you in my life. I read what you wrote about finding yourself and having a sense of identity and it resonates loudly. I think we all need something in our lives that sparks passion in us, that gives us meaning and purpose. It's obvious that you've found it here. This space is beautiful, it's a true representation of the beautiful person behind it.

Sukaina,Your soo blessed to have such wonderful friends around u!so nice to see all the wonderful comments.... I must say it is pretty emotional!!! Congratulations..i love your pics and the lovely blog is really superb!!!Looking forward to the 100th and the 1000th and the 10000th blog! M will be proud of u! We all are!xxDina

Sukaina, you are SO talented, it is so clear that this is your true calling! I am in awe of your stunning photography skills, writing and beautiful recipes. You are living the dream and are so lucky to make this your career.

I love the new name for your blog and the design is beautiful. The soothing colours suit your stunning photos as you want nothing to detract from them.

Congratulations on your new blog name and wonderful success! You deserve it my dear friend!

Thats a very bright new look your blog has got. And thanks for making this post about your readers (since it includes me as well ;) ) Absolutely fantastic pics, as always....Hope Maryam enjoyed the chocolate chip cookies....

I don't know why I'm crying between your words of love between you and Sylvie. I feel so incredible happy for you Sukaina. You are extremely talented,a vibrant and honest personality that comes across in your words and photography. You deserve the best and you headed just that way. The site is beautiful!

I love love love the new blog layout! You are such a joy to FOLLOW and I am so happy you have let us into your kitchen and your life. My son got so excited by the looks of your photos. I thought I had chocolate chips in the pantry but I have a feeling I know who found them. Just an empty container. Haha! I wanted to invite you to enter for a giveaway on my blog. Check it out at: http://imapretendchef.blogspot.com/2011/05/element-bars-giveaway.html

I adore the clean new look of your site, and the color scheme is so peaceful and soothing - congrats on the new launch, and I am definitely looking forward to seeing more (especially your beautiful photos!) I am always up for seeing more ethnic dishes since those are a bit out of my 'comfort zone' and then I can learn from you!

The new blog is absolutely beautiful. I am happy you've discovered your creative passions and is going towards a new path of exciting ventures to come! It will be an exciting journey and I am glad I've met you to be able to follow it every step of the way. Cheers to a new beginning -- may it bring you endless love happiness and success!!!

I always associate chocolate chip cookies with comfort food, especially during a cold weather or rainy days somehow, I don't know why. Maybe it had to do with most of the books I have read or the dramas/movies I have watched that I have started to see them that way, although I am not really a fan of chocs (yeah, I am crazy:P )

this is gorgeous - love the design, the story, the photos, the recipe...congratulations! i look forward to seeing where you go from here, and watching your blog continue to develop. thanks for sharing, and for inspiring me to keep blogging!

My first thought while going thru the post, Wow A lady who knows what she wants and who does not hesitate to put the thoughts into words not to mention mincing them either. loved your write up. First time to ur space and love it very much. I really feel very happy to follow you my dear friend.

Sukaina, a huge congrats to your beautiful new site. 49 posts? You're a natural at this. It takes years for some to get to where you are now. So happy to have connected with you and your blog. Beautiful, everything about this new site. :-)

My goodness, Sukaina--what a beautiful blog! I am so happy to have followed you on your journey here. Your warmth and creativity are inspiring. You have the most beautiful culinary photo composition, and such mouth-watering recipes. Well done, and congratulations. Here's to 49 more posts to come :)

As a working mom who can't figure out if she prefers to be at home or at the office, I can totally relate to what you write here. My blog, which I also started on a whim, has helped me bridge the gap as well. I am so thankful I did it!

What a beautiful site! What beautiful photography! And what a way to start...with the perfect chocolate chip cookies. Not much better in life! It's my first time here...thanks so much for the inspiration! I'll be back soon for sure.

Just gorgeous, Sukaina! Your photography and styling are stunning and your posts are beautiful! Why change something so wonderful? And what a stunning daughter (like her mom)! I am so happy to be your friend and follow your journey here!

Sukaina, I just found you via pinterest - the poached pear crumble. Mhhh! Looks super delicious! I didn't know your blog. It is wonderful and the photography is divine! Will be your newest reader! Bye Susanne

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